In February at Fisk Chapel, a confluence of Nashville artists celebrated the vision and courage of seven local Freedom Riders — Rip Patton, Allen Cason, Etta Rae Simpson, Frederick Leonard, Mary Jean Smith, Joy Leonard and Patricia Armstrong — with song. Youth program Choral Arts Link partnered with contemporary music ensemble Intersection on the music, creating a program that honored composers Florence Price and Nkeiru Okoye. Teree Campbelle McCormick and director Jon Royal created the connective tissue of the event, tying together the performances with a loose narrative about Price, Harriet Tubman and Diane Nash. The production was moving and pure, and it built a bridge across generations. ERICA CICCARONE
Best Way to Celebrate Freedom
From the Back of the Bus
